in summary of 2011: the good, the bad, and the pies in the face
Last year was a good year for me, but I seriously over-extended myself. I worked as a care provider for 5 kids, co-facilitated a weekly neurodiversity meet-up (and a weekly open studio event), volunteered with 6 nonprofits, raised money for Project Grow and the IPRC, and spent my spare time acting as an advocate for friends with Asperger’s (and a friend with Borderline Personality Disorder). My energy was diffused in too many directions. I made plenty of mistakes, but my intentions were good—to make a little bit happier (or reduce the suffering) of each person I came in contact with. Was I always successful? No. I fell on my face in the mud every week. My ego got in the way, my lack of social skills hobbled me, I ignored my (huge fluorescent blinking) blind spots, I neglected my creative interests, I stuck my foot in my mouth almost every day, and I got a few massive pies in the face. But I learned how to listen with equanimity, I learned how to hold space for others, I learned to self-medicate with spontaneous ridiculosity, I learned my limits and expanded my horizons, and I learned how to advocate for others in a way that preserved dignity and autonomy. (And I learned how to hang upside down from door jambs—a crucial skill which is going on my resumé). Goals for 2012: learn how to self-advocate; learn to take care of the care-giver; cast a light on my shadow side with gentle honesty; and learn to balance all the different aspects so my lifestyle is sustainable.
I’m grateful for all the friends who have helped me along this journey. Thank you.
